Meet the residents of Coastal Waters

Meet the amazing people that make Coastal Waters such an extraordinary place to retire.

At Coastal Waters, vibrant community living is brought to life by residents like the talented Diana, who has brought her passion for watercolours to life by teaching classes at the retirement village. With a diverse career and years of artistic experience, she finds joy in sharing her skills and embracing the active village lifestyle.

Diana shares her passion with residents

Meet award-winning artist Diana, a gifted painter whose passion for painting has led her to teach watercolour classes to fellow residents at Coastal Waters. Diana’s artistic journey began early. She won accolades in a state-wide school art competition, but like many women of her generation, she faced challenges. Her father discouraged her from attending art school, encouraging a more traditional path instead. Diana worked as a secretary and later became a nurse, yet art remained her quiet, constant pursuit.

Over the years, she refined her craft through courses at Julian Ashton Art School and explored various mediums, from charcoal to oils. "I have made it my mission to acquaint myself with a lot of different mediums from pencil, charcoal, oils to pastels, acrylic and watercolour. Everything I could lay my hands on, I had a go at." After raising a family and retiring from the family business, Diana returned to painting full-time, exhibiting her work across New South Wales and gaining recognition in local galleries.

At Coastal Waters, Diana has embraced watercolours for their subtle beauty and challenge. Her intricate floral work reflects the calm, thoughtful environment she’s found in the village. She also leads painting classes, sharing her wealth of knowledge with fellow residents. "Watercolour is unpredictable, but if you persevere, the rewards are tremendous," she says.